New? Avoid Rookie Mistakes...

Being new is a minefield. How do you navigate it?

• Understand the value of being new

  • You provide a unique perspective

  • You see things with fresh eyes

  • You are not expected to get everything right the first time

    • Use the opportunity to learn all you can

      • About people

      • About culture

      • About how you will contribute

      • About systems and expectations

• Don’t rush in

  • You only get to be new once – do it wisely

  • Get to know PEOPLE, not for what they can do for you, but for who they are

  • Learn and practice the culture

  • Ask questions, don’t offer up problems

Call out the elephant in the room

When you are new and have a thought, call out the elephant in the room.

“Listen, I am new enough to know I’m new, and smart enough to know I’m not that smart…”

This simple phrase can allow those around you to receive your thought with more openness. Often new ideas from new people are seen as threats. Insiders don’t trust outsiders and they will feel attacked by even the nicest or most correct observation. But, if you disarm them by calling out being a rookie and letting them know you don’t think you’re the smartest person in the room, your suggestion will be met with more acceptance and consideration.

It's a wonderful thing to be new. Spend time learning from and getting to know people. Take the opportunity to learn, ask questions, observe, speak less, and make some mistakes (people will forgive them for a bit).

Make sure to present yourself as approachable and non-threatening with the “disarming” phrase I shared above.

You will do great!